Sandy Testimony

Three days before the “Frankenstorm” called Sandy hit the east coast we were given notice to take proper action. Even though most of the people near the ocean left their homes, and came inland, no one was ready for what unfolded. Once in lifetime type of devastation came upon the Jersey shore and points north and south. It took a week or more for most of us to start to come to grips with just how bad the damage was. My church FBC of Red Bank is located about 6 miles from the ocean. Our area did not have electricity for the next 2-4 weeks. Many homes were damaged by high winds and fallen trees. One of our church members lost their home completely and others had to seek shelter from severely damaged homes

Two areas close to us were very hard hit; Seabrite and Union Beach. In the days immediately following Sandy our church became a “warming station” offering warm drinks, a charging station for phones, dispersing information, food, prayer, and comfort. Many of our members worked tirelessly in their communities - clearing debris, sharing food, gas, batteries, and showing the love of Christ.

We held a special community Thanksgiving service encouraging people to give to local Christian charities that were working tirelessly in recovery efforts. A week before Christmas with the help of former members who live in Alabama we handed out over 300 presents to boys and girls in Union Beach. Over the next six months we joined in with many work groups that came in to our area from all over the country. We were blessed to host a group of 17 college students from the University of Cincinnati who volunteered during their Spring break, and we continue to help some of those families we met that week.

The work continues with many families who are faced with difficult decisions to rebuild or not. We offer them the greatest gift that God offers us, and that is hope. Hope found in Jesus Christ and lived out in His people. I am very proud how the church of God has comforted, aided, loved, and been there for so many families faced with rebuilding their lives after this terrible storm.

I praise God for the hope He offers to us through all the storms in our lives. Praise Him even during the storms - He will see you through.